OTTAWA, Ont. — Transport Minister David Collenette has requested the House of Commons Standing Committee on Transport and Government Operations examine commercial drivers’ Hours of Service rules.

This examination will build on the ongoing work of the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) on Hours of Service rules.

“Public consultation is essential on this issue,” explains Collenette. “The committee’s examination will add to our body of knowledge and allow broader public input.”

A review of the rules for commercial drivers’ Hours of Service is being conducted under the auspices of the CCMTA, a joint provincial, territorial and federal organization that coordinates motor vehicle transportation and highway safety matters.

The group also includes representatives from the trucking industry and from public safety organizations.

The CCMTA drafted a proposal to modernize and simplify the current rules. The proposed changes would shorten drivers’ workdays and provide more opportunity to rest and recover, on a daily basis, from the effects of fatigue.

“The overall objective of the review of the Hours of Service rules is to improve safety on Canadian roads,” adds Collenette.

Once the committee has completed its deliberations, their findings will be discussed with the CCMTA in their review of the issue, the Ministry of Transportation explains.